Iconic rivalries in Formula 1

Jim Clark vs Graham Hill

Jim Clark (L) with Lotus teammate Graham Hill

The rivalry between the two British drivers dates back to the 1960’s with epic battles. The intriguing thing about the rivalry was that it was fierce and intense on the track and contrary to that the two drivers shared a great friendship off the track.While it was Graham Hill who won the title in 1962, Clark came back to win it in 1963. Clark won the title again in 1965 with 6 race wins out of 10 in the season proving his dominance. Hill’s BRM had reliability issues kept him behind Clark in second place.

1967 saw both drivers racing together at Lotus, with Clark taking much of the limelight during the season and finishing third. The 1968 season was expected to witness a war, but for the unfortunate crash of Clark’s Lotus at Hockenheim driving in a minor league. It prevented in what could have been another year of epic rivalry. Clark succumbed to his injuries from the crash and left a deep void behind in Formula One.

Hill went on to win the Championship in 1968 and fittingly dedicated it to his good friend Clark. Clark was a remarkable driver who could drive any car handed to him with utmost finesse. He held the record for most number of Grand Slams(pole position, win and fastest lap) in Formula One achieving the feat 11 times before Michael Schumacher went past and finished with 22 Grand Slams.